INCOMPAS Files Reply Comments on Mobile Handset Unlocking

INCOMPAS today filed reply comments today in the FCC NPRM that seeks input as the Commission explores the use of handset unlocking policies as a means to improve consumer choice and flexibility and to enhance competition across the mobile wireless marketplace.

Following its initial comments, INCOMPAS continues to stress two important points regarding Mobile Handset Unlocking:

• There is broad support in the record from various organizations and carriers that all agree that a uniform unlocking requirement promotes competition and benefits consumers. The current practice of locking phones reduces wireless competition and consumer choice by making it more difficult for consumers to change carriers and by reducing the number of devices available on the secondary market. The varying unlocking policies among carriers is confusing and can be harmful to consumers and newer entrants in the market.
• The mobile wireless market is not sufficiently competitive. In a market with only three dominant providers, helping competitive providers compete is critical to expand the market, promote competition, and increase consumer choice. The Commission’s proposal for a uniform device unlocking policy is key to the goals of promoting competition and enabling consumers to more easily switch among providers especially in light of the concentrated state of the current mobile wireless market.

Given all the support and importance of this proceeding, the INCOMPAS reply comments encourage the FCC to move forward with a uniform unlocking policy.

INCOMPAS, Engine File Joint Amici Curiae Brief on the FCC's 2024 Safeguarding the Open Internet Order

INCOMPAS and Engine Advocacy, two longstanding supporters of net neutrality principles and the FCC work to adopt federal net neutrality rules, filed a joint “friend of the court” brief detailing how the open Internet framework under the 2024 Safeguarding the Open Internet Order expands competitive online options that enable more investment and innovation for business and consumers of all kinds.

The Commission concluded in the Order that net neutrality rules remain necessary today to protect the openness of the Internet for consumers, small businesses, edge providers, and others. The brief states that, “Engine and INCOMPAS urge the court to uphold the FCC’s Order to ensure that consumers and small businesses are protected from and that competitive BIAS-only providers can exercise the protections that Title II affords in Sections 224 and 253 and the FCC’s accompanying rules.”

Engine has advocated for strong net neutrality protections repeatedly in the past and supports the FCC's reinstatement of the protections found in the 2015 Open Internet order.

“The FCC’s net neutrality protections and oversight are necessary to ensure startups can continue reaching their users without needing to overcome Internet service providers blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization. Startups are most at risk of being disadvantaged or blocked as they have limited resources to pay for preferential treatment," said Kate Tummarello, executive director of Engine. "Affirming the open Internet rules will make certain that startups’ innovative products and services remain accessible to users.”

INCOMPAS has long supported the FCC’s federal framework for open internet rules in the United States so that consumers can access the lawful online content and services of their choice without interference from their BIAS provider.

“Without FCC oversight and Title II protections, broadband-only providers have no federal rights to access poles, conduit, and rights-of-way to deploy digital infrastructure in a highly-concentrated market that is dominated by broadband monopolies. Consumers want net neutrality protections, and they want more competition. The court should affirm the FCC’s order which will enable and promote more broadband competition," said INCOMPAS President Angie Kronenberg. "We also explain in our brief how broadband providers have used their monopoly positions to harm online competition through interconnection. Title II oversight of interconnection to ensure that consumers can access the online content of their choice is critical to protecting and enabling online competition.”

INCOMPAS Issues Statement on Echostar Proposal to the FCC

INCOMPAS President Angie Kronenberg, released the following statement of support in response to EchoStar’s extension request to the FCC:

“EchoStar is making a strong and compelling case for its extension request. With commitments to accelerate and expand their buildout nationwide and with Final Construction Milestones, it will benefit consumers by preserving and enhancing a competitive mobile broadband offering. From the additional population expansion requirement to the affordability option, INCOMPAS urges the FCC to grant the request.”

FCC Opens Cybersecurity Pilot Program Application Window

The FCC announced the opening of the application window for the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program.

The FCC said the application filing window will be open until November 1, 2024. Eligible schools and libraries can apply to participate in the three-year, $200 million pilot program.